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Tomorrow: Support a Superfund Designation for Newtown Creek

Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, the Center for Health, Environment and Justice, the Newtown Creek Alliance, and Riverkeeper will hold a news conference tomorrow at 11:30 am to release a national report by CHEJ, Superfund: In the Eye of the Storm, and advocate for a Superfund designation for Newtown Creek.

Newtown Creek has been severely contaminated by metals, volatile organic compounds, high pathogen levels, floatables and petroleum pollution. Because of the proximity of the creek to hundreds of thousands of workers and residents, these chemicals pose a direct threat to human health.

Superfund: In the Eye of the Storm details how the federal cleanup program is burdened by climate change-related hurricanes, tornadoes and floods that damage toxic sites, as well as by increased corporate bankruptcies. Groups argue that polluters such as Exxon Mobil should pay for the cleanup of toxic sites, not taxpayers. This national report will be delivered to federal policymakers with an appeal to support reinstatement of polluter pays fees.


In addition to releasing the report, the groups will call on EPA administrator Lisa Jackson to add Newtown Creek to the Federal Superfund National Priorities List.


WHEN: Friday, March 20, 2009 at 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Newtown Creek, at the GMDC, 1155 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn

Photo via Newtown Creek Alliance